by admin | Jun 26, 2024 | Announcements
National Award-winner filmmaker Rima Das whose acclaimed feature, Village Rockstar was India’s official entry to Oscar 2019 joins the Academy Awards 2024 as an honourable member.
This year, the Academy invited 487 new members from 68 countries, with 46 percent of the new members being women and 41 percent coming from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups. 56 percent are from countries and territories outside the US.
Actor Shabana Azmi, directors SS Rajamouli and Anand Kumar Tucker, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, cinematographer Ravi Varman, costume designers Rama Rajamouli, Sheetal Sharma, documentary filmmakers Nisha and Pahuja Hemal Trivedi are the others from India to join the illustrious list of the Academy members.
Sharing her joy Rima Das says “I am honoured and thrilled to become a member of the Academy. My journey at the Academy began when Village Rockstars was India’s Official entry 2019. Now as part of this incredible community, I look forward to contribute to recognizing the best in our craft, celebrating the power and magic of cinema.”
by admin | Jun 18, 2024 | Announcements
Jyotiprasad Agarwala was a true renaissance man, leaving an indelible mark on various spheres of Assamese culture. As a literary luminary, he crafted works that continue to captivate and inspire readers. Beyond his literary prowess, Agarwala was also a dedicated freedom fighter, passionately advocating for India’s independence.
Agarwala’s creative talents extended to music, where he showcased his extraordinary artistic abilities. However, his most significant contribution was as the pioneering filmmaker of the first Assamese film, Joymati, which paved the way for the growth of Assamese cinema.
In a testament to Agarwala’s enduring legacy, acclaimed novelist Sayed Abdul Malik has written a novel based on his life. Now, renowned director Manju Bora is set to bring this story to the silver screen. The film will be produced by Sanjib Narain and Dr. Akshata Narain, with the talented Boloram Das portraying the lead character.
This cinematic adaptation promises to be a creative and insightful exploration of Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s remarkable life, capturing the essence of his multifaceted contributions to Assamese culture. This film will celebrate the enduring legacy of this literary giant, freedom fighter, and visionary artist.
by admin | Jun 14, 2024 | Announcements
In a truly unique and groundbreaking achievement for culinary arts and cultural preservation, Biswajit Das and Chandan Borgohain have been announced as winners of the esteemed Serendipity Arts’ “Food Matters Grant” for 2024. Their project, “Rediscovering Lost Fish Recipes,” stands out for its innovative approach to exploring the intersection of food, art, and culture.
The project aims to archive and reimagine forgotten fish recipes from the Kulsi River region in Assam, India. Through the lens of food, Das and Borgohain will examine the impact of human intervention on shared resources, memories, and cultural heritage, culminating in creating an artist’s book.
Biswajit Das, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker and animator based in Guwahati, brings a wealth of experience to the project. His extensive body of work, which includes 24 documentary films and over 100 short animation videos, has earned him significant recognition, including the Best Director award at the Chalachitram National Film Festival 2023, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Research grant, and the OneWorld Media Fellowship 2022. This impressive track record underscores his expertise and commitment to the project.
Chandan Borgohain, a seasoned journalist and photographer from Assam, is collaborating with Das. With over five years of experience in regional and international organisations, Borgohain has dedicated his career to addressing disinformation in the digital age. His photographic work uniquely captures the interplay between personal and social aspects of landscapes.
The selection of “Rediscovering Lost Fish Recipes” for the Food Matters Grant not only highlights the growing importance of preserving culinary traditions and their cultural significance but also promises to make a significant impact. As the project unfolds, it will not only shed light on the rich gastronomic heritage of the Kulsi River region but also address broader themes of environmental change and cultural preservation, making it a truly transformative and impactful initiative.
by admin | Jun 2, 2024 | Announcements
Renowned singer Shan has lent his voice to a song in the upcoming Assamese film “Sundarpur Caos”. The song features lyrics by Manjula Hazarika and music composed by Dr. Saurav Mahanta. The recording took place in Mumbai, and the director believes that this song will be a major highlight of the film. Shan expressed his happiness with the tune and extended his best wishes for the film’s success.
The film, directed by Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, is nearing the end of its shooting schedule, and the producer intends to release it in November. “Sundarpur Caos” revolves around a contemporary social issue and promises to deliver a powerful blend of drama and emotion. Jhulan, known for his award-winning debut film “Noi Boi Jai”, has already garnered high expectations from audiences, given the success of his previous work in state film awards and national and international festivals.
by admin | May 30, 2024 | Announcements
A wave of excitement swept through Jyoti Chitraban as the muhurat (inaugural ceremony) of ‘Kakadeuta Nati Aru Hati 2’ (KNAH2) took place amidst much fanfare. This highly anticipated sequel to Nip Barua’s blockbuster ‘Kakadeuta Nati Aru Hati’ promises to be a grand cinematic spectacle, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective.
Under Pride East Entertainment’s production banner, Produced by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the film will be helmed by talented director Achinta Sankar. Sankar will ensure that the original’s legacy is preserved while introducing a contemporary vision.
Adding a unique dimension to the project is the presence of Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who portrayed a child actor in the original film. In a remarkable twist, the sequel will see that child take on the lead role, played by the promising actor Utpal Das.
The muhurat ceremony was a celebration of Assamese cinema, with industry veterans and enthusiasts gathering to witness the commencement of this highly anticipated project. The event was marked by infectious energy and a palpable sense of excitement, reflecting the high expectations surrounding the film.
Rajdeep, the screenwriter behind KNAH2, has crafted a narrative that promises to captivate audiences. The film seamlessly blends the nostalgia of the original with fresh and engaging storylines.
by admin | May 28, 2024 | Announcements
The anticipation is intense as young director Achinta Shankar’s sophomore effort, the big-budget film Abhimanyu, awaits its release date. Having showcased his flair for entertaining narratives with his debut ‘Pratighat’, Achinta Sankar has left no stone untouched in realising his cinematic dreams for this ambitious project.
The cast headlines with the famous young actor Kamal Lochan, who plays the lead role, with Diplina Deka as his co-star. Industry veteran Debajit Majumdar, who essays the lead antagonist, adds gravity to the proceedings.
Sankar, known for his uncompromising vision, has spared no expense in bringing Abhimanyu to life, fueling expectations that the film will be a visual spectacle. As the release date draws closer, the region’s cinephiles eagerly await the opportunity to immerse themselves in Sankar’s latest storytelling endeavour.
